Boots to Books

College Courses Designed with Veterans in Mind

Boots to Books

Boots to Books is a learning community. You must register in both classes during the same semester. Both classes are normally payable by the VA. Please check with the Sierra College Veterans Office to make sure classes are on your education plan.

Editor’s Note: When they return home, one of the first places many Iraq and Afghanistan vets turn is not the Department of Veterans Affairs, but to their local community colleges or universities. Over 300,000 post-9/11 veterans are already using their GI Bill to attend school, and a tidal wave of at least 500,000 more is expected when a newer, expanded education benefit takes effect this fall.

Because veterans have spent recent years at war rather than in school, the vast majority land at community colleges. Sierra College’s Boots to Books program, located outside of Sacramento, houses one of California’s only programs to help vets succeed in college. NAM video producer Mike Siv and NAM contributor Aaron Glantz offer this look at what schools can do to help veterans make the difficult transition from combat to civilian life.

Personal Development Course 1:3 units

The Personal Development Class is a college success course designed to help veterans transition from military to college life. The Instructor is Catherine Morris, a Veterans Counselor and a 15 year veteran. Topics include:

Veteran resources in your community

Combat stress injuries (PTSD, mild TBI)

Readjustment issues from military to civilian life

How to make the most of your GI Bill

Goal setting/ career exploration

Learning styles

Basic college success strategies

English A: 3 units

A prerequisite for English 1A. Course offers veterans an opportunity to develop their writing and critical thinking skills with an emphasis on Veteran Issues.

Enroll in both classes for a total of 6 units. Taught every Fall semester.